Field Gulls
The Seattle Seahawks rookies combined for 233 snaps in Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals. That was the most so far this season, even with Tory Horton not playing. This includes snaps from some players not listed in this article such as Ricky White III (6) and Connor O’Toole (3). All data used in this article was taken from PFF.
Let’s analyze some of the key plays from this game!
According to PFF’s ratings, again, the grades were quite contrasting. He had the worst run block score with 45.7 and was the second-worst offensive lineman in pass block grade with 68.6 even without giving up any pressure (again).
His game still needs improvement, although what catches my attention when watching his tape is that he recovers very well from his mistakes and rarely repeats the same problems. This is fundamental for the development of a rookie.
Another recurring problem, and one that is widespread in the Seahawks’ offensive line, is the inability to create space through brute force. His angle is good, but he can’t get his hands well positioned to move the defensive lineman.
In this game, he showed all his ability at the second level. Good initial contact moving Calais Campbell and helping Charles Cross, then he advances to the second level and blocks the linebacker well.
Almost perfection in this reach block that is a key for zone scheme. It takes speed and a good angle for success, and Zabel achieves it here.
Walter Nolen had a fantastic debut against the Dallas Cowboys. However, the duel against Zabel was favorable for the Seahawks rookie. He executes a good double-team and then finishes the play with the defender on the ground.
My favorite snap of his in the game. He moves to the left and the DT attacks the innermost gap. Excellent recovery ability, moving quickly to get ahead of the defender.
He got nine tackles, his first sack, and no less than four passes defended. His alignment was:
First, let’s address the problems.
His work in off-coverage is one of the areas that needs the most refinement. The Seahawks are in man coverage, and Emmanwori wants to take the inside leverage, since he knows he has no help. He takes a moment longer to cut, and that’s enough for the pass to be completed. It was a beautiful pass, and Emmanwori’s work wasn’t terrible, but it can improve.
My main concern when they transitioned him to nickel was his ability to cover slot receivers in 1v1 situations due his lack of change of direction. Here, it’s just one more step he takes compared to Marvin Harrison Jr, and if the pass/reception were better, it would have been a conversion. It’s worth noting that he had some...
